K-12 Professionals

We are always seeking ways to partner with schools, especially those in the Baltimore region. Please contact program staff for any of the following:

You have a student who would make a great Sherman Scholar

You would like to host a Sherman Scholar in your classroom or school building to serve as a tutor, mentor or fellow

You are interested in being a Mentor Teacher to Sherman Alumni

You want to hire a graduate of the Sherman Program

Two programs in which the UMBC community is highly committed and deeply involved are FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW). Both of these aim to increase the number of K-12 students and professionals in STEM-related activities.

FIRST LEGO League (FLL)

If you are a middle school teacher looking for a fun, engaging after-school club that teaches mathematical and engineering concepts, teamwork, and critical thinking, FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is a great option.FLL is the result of an exciting alliance between FIRST and the LEGO Company. Guided by adult mentors and their own imaginations, FLL students solve real-world engineering challenges, develop important life skills, and learn to make positive contributions to society. FLL provides students age 9-14 with an opportunity to challenge their math and science skills in an internationally recognized competitive environment. FLL combines a hands-on, interactive robotics program with a sports-like atmosphere. Teams of up to 10 players focus on team building, problem solving, creativity, and analytical thinking to develop a well thought out solution to a problem currently facing the world – the Challenge.For more information, check out FIRST, FLL, and FLL Maryland.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW)

Project Lead The Way® (PLTW) is a not-for-profit organization that promotes pre-engineering courses for middle and high school students. PLTW forms partnerships with public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector to increase the quantity and quality of engineers and engineering technologists graduating from our educational system.For more information, check out Project Lead the Way and Maryland Project Lead the Way at UMBC.